Health & Wellness Tips for the New Year With Fitness Expert Meredith Schneider! by Renee

The new year is a great time for reflection and change. Meredith Schneider, #30Seconds contributor and fitness expert, kicked off the new year as our first Twitter chat guest! Meredith is a Florida-based mom of four and healthy lifestyle coach providing inspiration, motivation and accountability. Her passion is to support others on their health and fitness journey.

Hey Mer !! I’m so glad I made your chat. I’m one of your biggest fans. Our first fitness challenge changed my life !! #30seconds

— Holly @Tweenspot (@tweenspot) January 10, 2019

Q: What is the secret to weight loss, being fit, being confident, having more energy, being happier and accomplishing my goals?

Here it is! There is no secret. It’s CONSISTENCY!

• CONSISTENCY in making yourself a priority no matter what.
• CONSISTENCY in making healthy choices.
• CONSISTENCY in dating your spouse or loved one no matter how long you have been together.
• CONSISTENCY in not giving up and doing the things that fuel your spirit, body and mind.

A1. Drinking more water, get more sleep, and stress less #30Seconds

— Leebee653 💖 (@leebee653) January 10, 2019

A1 I think you need a POSITIVE ATTITUDE......you can do it! #30Seconds

— ❄️⛄️ Toni B ⛄️❄️ (@rychepet) January 10, 2019

Q: Being CONSISTENT is not easy. What benefits have you experienced being consistent over the past seven years?

Let’s be real. No, of course being consistent is not easy. In the long run, being consistent will pay off more for your spirit, body and mind than you know. Being consistent has made me stronger than my excuses and stronger than all the crap and punches of life that tried to get in my way.

He definitely makes me a stronger person 🥰 #30Seconds pic.twitter.com/mJeDMkVVPr

— Leebee653 💖 (@leebee653) January 10, 2019

It all started seven years ago when I hit rock bottom crying on the floor of my closet. Not happy with myself inside and out. I let hormones and the punches life was giving me at that time get in the way of taking care of myself. Which led to emotional eating and depression. Not the role model I had in mind for our four kids. That night I made the decision to make myself a priority and most of all be CONSISTENT no matter what.

My CONSISTENCY has led me to have the passion to help inspire, motivate and encourage others along the way. Guess what? You are not alone! It’s YOUR turn!

#30Seconds A2 I'll admit it it is hard to keep consistent but guess it does make sense that it would have lots of benefits.

— lorri langmaid (@lorri1956) January 10, 2019

Q: How do I keep from getting overwhelmed with all the outside pressures of weight loss fads, commercials, social media images, etc.?

So important to be YOU! Don’t try to compare yourself to someone else. We all have different body types. It’s YOU vs. YOU! Be happy with who you are as a person while focusing on being a better version of YOU inside and out! Be confident and kind to yourself. Have fun. Remember, it’s OK to mess up along the way. We are all human. Keep moving forward. Most important, have a strong WHY! Why do you want to be healthier? Why do you want more energy? Lose weight? Gain muscle?

#BeKind to yourself...this is something I have to remember! #30seconds

— Renee (@HerrenRenee) January 10, 2019

I want to be healthier for my family so I can be more active #30Seconds

— Leebee653 💖 (@leebee653) January 10, 2019

Q: To achieve my health and wellness goals what categories should I focus on?

Being consistent in these four key categories have helped me over the past seven years to lose, sculpt, tone and maintain 50 pounds weight loss are:

• Exercise: Adding a consistent and fun exercise routine that I put on my calendar each week. Mix things up. Don’t be afraid to try new workouts.

Check w/ your local library or you tube for videos #30Seconds

— ❄️⛄️ Toni B ⛄️❄️ (@rychepet) January 10, 2019

• Nutrition: Don't diet, fad diets don’t work. Make healthier choices, shop with a list and stay out of the isles in store. That's not where the fresh food is!

It can help to create "swaps"........yogurt instead of ice cream, etc #30Seconds

— ❄️⛄️ Toni B ⛄️❄️ (@rychepet) January 10, 2019

• Rest: Schedule your rest days from exercising, listen to your body take a nap when you need to and get a good night’s sleep.

YES! I made sleep a priority last year & it's amazing how much it can help #30Seconds

— ❄️⛄️ Toni B ⛄️❄️ (@rychepet) January 10, 2019

• Hydration: Being properly hydrated give me more energy, less bloated, clearer skin and boosts metabolism.

When I was at my heaviest I used my fitness pal app. Now that I know what to eat for my body type I don’t use it anymore. #30Seconds https://t.co/w9nppV5aDi

— Meredith Schneider (@Merber38) January 10, 2019

My rule of thumb for crushing health and wellness goals is 70 percent nutrition, 20 percent fitness and 10 percent rest!

Q: Now that I have my WHY, the recipe to consistency and categories to focus on. What’s my next step?

• Two words: realistic goals! Breakdown your why and make realistic goals for yourself. Keep it simple and sustainable.
• Don't beat yourself up. It's never too late to start and will take time and patience to get where you want to be physically inside and out.
• To accomplish this, make short-term mindful goals that will lead to your ultimate goal.
• Schedule your workouts and time to plan out your menu for the week. Breakfast, snacks, dinner.

That's where I need the most help.......meal planning! #30Seconds

— ❄️⛄️ Toni B ⛄️❄️ (@rychepet) January 10, 2019

Been making myself head upstairs before @dieteraschmitz and give myself time to be alone in a quiet space. He is supportive and that really helps. I listen to amazing music, which also helps! #30seconds

— Elisa All Schmitz (@elisatalk) January 10, 2019

Q: How do you motivate yourself to exercise on days that you just don’t want to?

• Looking at my before picture and seeing how far I have come motivates me to get off my ass and get moving.
• I remember how awful it was to hit rock bottom and don’t want to experience that again or have my kids see me at my worst again.
• Remind myself how amazing I feel afterwards. Proud and full of energy.
• Others looking to me for inspiration and motivation helps me stay accountable. Sharing it can be done is powerful.
• Being grateful I am physically able to exercise. There are so many people who are not well enough or physically able.

OK, just had to share that @Merber38 inspired @dieteraschmitz to go workout. He's currently blasting the Classic Rock Power Workout station on @pandoramusic while he runs on the treadmill! #30seconds #pandora

— Elisa All Schmitz (@elisatalk) January 10, 2019

Q: How do I not feel guilty making my when I know it’s my turn to feel amazing inside and out?

It is YOUR turn! Tell yourself that! Believe it! Act on it! Tell your family your WHY! It is YOUR turn to make yourself priority! There is no reason anyone should feel guilty wanting to be healthier. Don’t allow anyone to make you feel guilty taking care of yourself. Don’t wait until there is a major medical reason to take make yourself a priority. You deserve to feel amazing inside and out! It’s your turn!

A7 It's like the airline emergency procedure.....you have to put on your own oxygen mask before helping others! #30Seconds

— ❄️⛄️ Toni B ⛄️❄️ (@rychepet) January 10, 2019

Be sure to following @Merber38 and read her 30Seconds tips!

Take 30 seconds and join the 30Seconds community. Inspire ... and be inspired.